Industrial labeling guide
Choosing the Best Cable and Wire Labels for Industrial Use
How to match label materials and formats to harsh industrial environments – from temperature and UV to chemicals and surface type – using proven Silver Fox solutions that keep identification clear, secure and compliant.
Labeling cables and wires in industrial environments is not just a convenience – it is essential for safety, compliance and efficiency. Whether you are working on a large-scale project or routine maintenance, the correct labels can save time, reduce errors and streamline operations.
With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. At Silver Fox Limited, we specialise in industrial labeling solutions trusted across rail, oil and gas, power and telecoms. This guide walks through how to choose the most effective cable and wire labels for your industrial applications.
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Step 1
Identify the environmental demands: temperature, UV, chemicals, moisture and surface type.
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Step 2
Match label formats – tie-on, heatshrink, wrap-around or panel labels – to the application and cable size.
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Step 3
Print with Fox-in-a-Box® and Labacus Innovator® for fast, consistent, compliant identification.
Industrial labels that last
Matching label type and material to the environment helps keep critical identification clear and legible from installation to end of life.
1. Environment first
Identify the environmental demands
Industrial settings often expose cables to extreme conditions. The labels you choose need to endure these challenges for years, not just days or weeks.
Extreme temperatures
Labels must handle high and low temperatures without losing adhesion or readability. Silver Fox Heatshrink Labels maintain durability and clarity where temperature cycles are severe.
Outdoor exposure
For installations subject to UV rays, rain or frost, Fox-Flo® labels offer excellent resistance to fading and weathering, making them suitable for exposed racks, trackside and plant environments.
Chemical resistance
In chemical plants, marine locations or industrial sites, labels may be exposed to oils, solvents and corrosive substances. Silver Fox products are rigorously tested for these conditions to ensure reliable performance.
Surface and substrate
Rough, painted, oily or uneven surfaces demand materials and adhesives that can still grip effectively. Tie-on labels and non-shrink tubing can be ideal where conventional adhesive labels struggle.
Starting with the environment gives you a short list of label types that are realistically going to last in the field.
2. Application fit
Match labels to your application
Once you understand the conditions, think about how the cables are used and where the labels will sit. Different applications call for different formats.
Cable bundles
For grouped cables, Fox-Flo® tie-on labels are non-adhesive and easy to secure using cable ties. They provide clear, durable identification that is easy to read even in large trays.
Small wires
Heatshrink tubing offers a snug fit for smaller wires while providing crisp, high-contrast print. It is ideal where space is tight and labels must not snag or catch.
Panels & terminations
Patch panels, terminals and equipment need precise, easy-to-apply panel labels. Silver Fox panel labels are compatible with Fox-in-a-Box® for fast, accurate printing.
Taking application and cable size into account helps you decide whether tie-on labels, heatshrink, wrap-around labels or panel labels will do the best job.
3. Printing workflow
Simplify the printing process
Printing your own labels can save time and reduce costs, especially on complex projects. Silver Fox’s Fox-in-a-Box® Thermal Printer System is designed to make this as straightforward as possible.
Plug-and-play setup
Fox-in-a-Box® is designed so you can start printing labels within minutes, with printer, ribbon and initial label stock included in one kit.
Labacus Innovator®
Labacus Innovator® software makes it easy to design and print labels. It includes a lifetime of free feature updates to keep pace with changing requirements.
Test result integration
Integration with Fluke Networks® LinkWare™ Live enables you to export and print labels directly from your test results, reducing retyping and mistakes.
With support for over 160 label types, Fox-in-a-Box® is versatile enough to cover most industrial labeling requirements from one system.
4. Longevity & adhesion
Prioritise longevity and adhesion
A label only does its job if it stays in place and remains legible throughout the life of the asset. In industrial environments this can mean many years of exposure to heat, vibration and contaminants.
What to look for in industrial label performance
- Strong adhesion to a range of surfaces including PVC, stainless steel and rough materials.
- Print that resists abrasion, chemicals and cleaning processes used on site.
- Non-shrink tubing with a “grip” system for excellent holding power on cables and wires.
- Materials that resist cracking, curling or peeling under load, flex and temperature changes.
Silver Fox labels are rigorously tested to deliver this level of performance, helping you avoid relabeling work and unplanned downtime.
5. Compliance
Ensure compliance with industry standards
Mass transit, oil and gas, aerospace and other critical industries often have strict compliance requirements for materials used on site. Using labels that meet or exceed these standards reduces risk and supports regulatory approval.
Silver Fox labels are designed to support projects where certification and traceability matter, helping you demonstrate that your identification approach meets relevant standards.
6. Time-saving
Focus on time-saving features
Efficiency is key on any industrial project. Smart label features and workflows can significantly reduce time spent preparing, printing and applying IDs.
Ways Silver Fox helps you work faster
- Roll-back calibration to minimise waste during printing.
- Pre-printed options for frequently used identifiers where you want to save prep time.
- Comprehensive tutorials and guidance so new users can become productive quickly.
- Templates and data import in Labacus Innovator® to avoid retyping and maintain consistent layouts.
Over a full project, these time savings add up – especially when labeling large numbers of cables, wires, panels and equipment.
7. Why Silver Fox
Why Silver Fox for industrial cable and wire labels?
With over 45 years of experience, Silver Fox Limited is a trusted partner for engineers worldwide. Based in Hertfordshire, UK, Silver Fox provides innovative, reliable and cost-effective labeling solutions used in some of the world’s most demanding environments – from the London Underground to offshore oil rigs.
Choosing the right cable and wire labels is essential for successful industrial marking. By considering environmental factors, material needs, printing options and compliance requirements, you can select labels that ensure safety, efficiency and long-term performance.
Ready to choose labels that match your environment?
At Silver Fox, we are here to help you make the right choice – whether you need Fox-Flo® tie-on labels, heatshrink tubing, panel IDs or a complete Fox-in-a-Box® printing solution with Labacus Innovator®.
Contact Silver Fox today to discuss your next project and discover how our industrial labeling solutions can simplify installation, support compliance and keep your identification clear and secure for years to come.